Hurricane Sandy Updates From Nassau County

Editor’s Note: This article was written and submitted by Steven Nicastro.

Mangano Announces Dedicated Business Recovery Program

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano announced Friday that Nassau County is establishing a center dedicated to assisting the reconstruction and recovery efforts of businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Financial assistance also may be available for eligible businesses, Mangano said.

“Getting Nassau County businesses reopened is an absolute priority and we believe our dedicated program will assist those affected businesses with their recovery and reconstruction, efforts,” Mangano said in a press release.  

In addition, eligible small businesses may receive up to $99,000 of financial assistance to be used toward their recovery efforts through the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency through its LEADs (Local Enterprise Assistance and Development Services) program.

Read the full story here.

Statement of Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice

“Thankfully, we have not experienced widespread looting in Nassau County neighborhoods in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. To help preserve this atmosphere and to try and give some sense of safety to the businesses and families made vulnerable by the hurricane, please be aware that those who see criminal opportunity in this storm's devastation will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by my office. No plea bargains. No reduced charges. No leniency," Rice said.

"Many of our communities are vulnerable right now and anybody that seeks to take advantage of that should know that I will make sure that they will feel the full weight of our criminal justice system when they are apprehended.”

County Agencies Issue Warning to Price Gougers

Long Island public officials are warning merchants that they will prosecute those who would engage in price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The warning, issued by the top leadership of both Nassau and Suffolk counties, said authorities will take action against those responsible.

County officials say they are concerned about people being forced to use local hotels, motels or other services where prices are seen to suddenly spike. Residents should report any incidents where they feel price gouging occurred.

To report suspected price gouging in Nassau County, contact Consumer Affairs at 516-571-2600 or contact the Comptroller’s Office at 516-571-2383. Read the full story here.

Emergency Blood Drive

Long Island Blood Services will be holding emergency blood drives in the Kohl's wing of the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream on Saturday, Nov. 3, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 4, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Election Day Polling Places Could Change

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano spoke on WFAN radio Thursday evening saying the county is moving ahead with Election Day as planned.

Several polling sites, however, may change depending on the damage to regular locations such as schools. Sixty-eight of Nassau County's 376 polling sites are located in federal flood zones.

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